Inchcailloch facts for kids
| Gaelic name | Innis Cailleach |
|---|---|
| Meaning of name | Isle of the old woman |
| OS grid reference | NS410905 |
| Coordinates | 56°04′52″N 4°33′18″W / 56.081°N 4.555°W |
| Physical geography | |
| Island group | Loch Lomond |
| Area | 50 hectares (0.19 sq mi) |
| Area rank | 199= (Freshwater: 6) |
| Highest elevation | 85 metres (279 ft) |
| Administration | |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Country | Scotland |
| Council area | Stirling |
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Inchcailloch (which is Innis na Cailleach in Scottish Gaelic) is a small island in Loch Lomond, Scotland. It is sometimes called Inchebroida. The island's highest point is about 85 meters (279 feet) above the water.
The name Inchcailloch comes from the Scottish Gaelic words for "Isle of the Old Woman" or "Isle of the Hooded Woman." Many people believe the island was named after Saint Kentigerna. She was an Irish woman who traveled to Scotland to share the Christian faith.
Contents
Exploring Inchcailloch
Inchcailloch is a popular place to visit. It is part of the Loch Lomond National Nature Reserve. This means it is a special place where nature is protected.
Getting to the Island
You can take a small passenger ferry to Inchcailloch. It crosses a short stretch of water from Balmaha on the mainland. Because it's easy to reach, many people visit the island. About 20,000 visitors come each year.
Things to Do on Inchcailloch
There is a campsite on the south side of the island called Port Bawn. Its name means "White Port" in Gaelic. You can also walk along a nature trail. This trail helps you explore the island's beautiful natural areas.
Island Geography and Nature
Inchcailloch is one of several islands in Loch Lomond. These islands include Inchmurrin, Creinch, and Torrinch. All of them are part of the Highland Boundary Fault. This is a major geological line that separates the Scottish Highlands from the Lowlands.
Woodlands and Wildlife
Like many islands in Loch Lomond, Inchcailloch is covered in thick woods. You can still see deer roaming freely on the island. In 2003, some rare white deer were even spotted there. The water between Inchcailloch and the mainland is very shallow. This makes it easy for deer to walk across.
Special Places on the Island
On the north side of the island, there is an old burial ground. This historic site holds many stories from the past.
A Look at Inchcailloch's History
Inchcailloch has a long and interesting history. It has been used for different purposes over hundreds of years.
Hunting and Farming
The island was used as a hunting forest a long time ago. This was during the time of Robert the Bruce. People also farmed on Inchcailloch until the early 1800s. Records from 1800 show that the island grew good wheat and oats. You can still see the ruins of the old farm buildings today.
Oak Plantations
For about 130 years, Inchcailloch was an oak tree plantation. The wood from these trees was taken to Balmaha. There, it was used to make things like wood vinegar, wood tar, and dyes.
The Old Church and Graveyard
Inchcailloch once had a church dedicated to St Kentigerna. This church served as the local parish church until 1621. The graveyard next to it was used for burials until 1947. It is the burial ground for some of the ancestors of Rob Roy. He was a famous Scottish folk hero. Legends say that during an excavation, the bones of a woman were found under the church's altar stone.
